Copyright Santa Clarita Valley Signal
What an exciting month it’s been watching Republicans control every level of government: the executive, judicial and Congress. But let’s be real: At this phase of our country, all branches have surrendered their spine to their almighty leader Donald Trump, so I guess it’s really just one branch of stupidity masquerading as three. Even after controlling every branch of government, they still can’t keep the government open or keep their promises, and who do they blame? Democrats, naturally. It’s almost like this has happened before in … oh yes, the first Trump presidency. It’s almost like people never learn. Then again, I guess that’s why Republicans hate education and teaching history so much, because then we might actually recognize what absolute failures they’ve been when it comes to leadership. But let’s pivot to something on everyone’s mind, since this column will be published before the upcoming special election: Proposition 50. Obviously, I’m voting yes because I’m willing to try anything to stop the insane bleed we call the Trump administration. This proposition represents an opportunity for Californians to assert some measure of resistance against federal overreach, and I believe we should take it. I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion last week at College of the Canyons, where a student asked me, if we always do tit-for-tat, how are we ever going to come together and make things better? I have to say, I’m thankful our future generations have good heads on their shoulders. I told her it’s something I often worry about, too. When will we come together to have actual conversations like human beings again? As I’ve said before, though, it’s hard to have conversations when one side (not all of them, but enough) treats every criticism as a personal attack on their dear leader and will never admit wrongdoing. This happens on both sides to some degree, but my party isn’t currently sliding us into authoritarianism, so there’s that. The conversations about Prop. 50 were fascinating. Every “No on” 50 advocate kept arguing that “the people already voted on this” as if the people aren’t voting again right now, and as if people haven’t changed their minds on … I don’t know, abortion, marriage equality, criminal justice reform, marijuana, their elected officials. The only thing they’re actually mad about is that it appears the people just won’t vote how they want them to. Democracy is great until voters disagree with you, apparently. The other aspect that got them riled up was the cost of holding this special election. These are the same exact people who wasted millions of taxpayer dollars (and our collective sanity) on a recall of the governor that failed within, what was it, 10 minutes after polls closed? The same people who don’t care that we waste money on military parades that serve no purpose beyond stroking one man’s ego. Let’s be real: They call it a waste of money when it’s something that gives people a voice in government, but there’s nothing wrong with spending when their side does it. Trump could literally burn $200 million in the street, and they would justify it and probably call it art. The representation argument also baffled me. People talked passionately about issues the federal government has no oversight over whatsoever. Everything from school boards to water boards, all state, city and county issues. They’re furious about problems their congressional representative wouldn’t even oversee. I guess those are just the talking points they need to convince themselves that their vote makes sense, even when the logic doesn’t hold up. Here’s what strikes me most about our current political dysfunction: We’ve lost the ability to separate legitimate policy disagreements from loyalty. Voting should be about evaluating proposals on their merits, considering their impacts, and making informed decisions based on our values and interests. Instead, it’s become a team sport where people reflexively support or oppose measures based solely on who’s endorsing them. Prop. 50 offers Californians a chance to assert our state’s authority and values in the face of federal policies many of us find deeply troubling. Whether you agree with that approach or not, the conversation should focus on the substance of the proposition, not on partisan talking points that have nothing to do with what’s actually on the ballot. Most importantly, for the love of all things sacred —VOTE. I don’t care how you do it, but voting is one of the most important and beautiful aspects of our government. We the people decide our outcome. Go to the polls and have your voice heard. Because if there’s one thing this administration has taught us, it’s that democratic participation isn’t something we can take for granted. Every election matters. Every voice counts. Every vote is an act of resistance against those who would prefer we stay silent and complacent. So whether you’re voting yes or no on Prop. 50, whether you’re Republican, Democrat, or somewhere in between, show up. Participate. Democracy only works when we actually use it. Andrew Taban is a former legislative staffer. “Democratic Voices” appears Tuesdays and rotates among several local Democrats.
